For Today and Tomorrow

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, April 10, 2013:

 

The Daishonin's words are guiding principles that have universal, eternal relevance. It is important to study his writings. And it is especially crucial that the members of the youth division gain a solid grounding in Buddhist study. The two ways of practice and study are important. A halfhearted attitude will not allow you to complete these two paths. That would be a truly sad thing.

Illusion about the true nature of existence is literally illusion about the nature of one's own life.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, April 9, 2013:

 

Illusion about the true nature of existence is literally illusion about the nature of one's own life. This is the fundamental source of all illusions. If we are ignorant about the nature of our own existence, then we will be ignorant about the nature of other people's lives, too. On the other hand, when our lives are free of illusion, we can perceive the treasure tower that shines resplendent in all people, in all beings.

Nothing is wasted in faith.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, April 9, 2013:

 

Nothing is wasted in faith. One never loses out. Please be confident that all your efforts to help others and promote Buddhism are accumulating immense treasures of good fortune in your life. This is what is meant by inconspicuous benefit.

If you light a lantern for another, it will also brighten your own way."

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, April 8, 2013:

 

Nichiren writes, "If you light a lantern for another, it will also brighten your own way." Please be confident that the higher your flame of altruistic action burns, the more its light will suffuse your life with happiness. Those who possess an altruistic spirit are the happiest people of all.

Great individuals fight abuses of authority.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, April 8, 2013:

 

Great individuals fight abuses of authority. The truly strong do not lord it over the weak. People of genuine strength and courage battle against the powerful, the arrogant, the authoritarian, the evil and corrupt-all who look down on the people with contempt.

A change in one's outlook or intention triggers a change in the self and radiates outward to effect society-wide revolutions.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, April 7, 2013:

 

The Buddhist teaching of the inseparability of evil and good means that everything can be made one or the other in an instant, according to what we harbor in our hearts. Everything begins with the self. A change in one's outlook or intention triggers a change in the self and radiates outward to effect society-wide revolutions. This idea is what we in the SGI refer to as "human revolution."

Strength is the source of happiness.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, April 7, 2013:

 

Strength is the source of happiness. We mustn't shy away from life's challenges. We mustn't be defeated. Refusing to be defeated equals victory. A person who perseveres to the end is a winner. In the course of promoting our movement, the Soka Gakkai has never pulled back in the face of any hindrance. We have kept moving forward. And that is the key to our success. Never to retreat a single step, no matter what-that is the Soka Gakkai spirit. Those who embrace this spirit can achieve unlimited victory.

Pure and committed practice of Nichiren Buddhism entirely changes the meaning of hardships in our lives.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, April 6, 2013:

 

Pure and committed practice of Nichiren Buddhism entirely changes the meaning of hardships in our lives. We no longer view challenges and trials as negatives to be avoided but as things which, when overcome, bring us closer to our attainment of Buddhahood.

Sincere faith never ages.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, April 6, 2013:

 

There is no retirement age in faith. Sincere faith never ages. Those who exert themselves for the sake of the Law are ever young. Our heart is what matters most. Let us strive to the end of our days for kosen-rufu.

The sun will definitely rise.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, April 5, 2013:

 

Even places that have been shrouded in darkness for billions of years can be illuminated. Even a stone from the bottom of a river can be used to produce fire. Our present sufferings, no matter how dark, have certainly not continued for billions of years—nor will they linger forever. The sun will definitely rise. In fact, its ascent has already begun.

Ultimate triumph belongs to those who can forbear.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, April 5, 2013:

 

In all things patience is the key to victory. Those who cannot endure cannot hope to win. Ultimate triumph belongs to those who can forbear.

The purpose of religion is to help each person become happy.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, April 4, 2013:

 

The flower of the Law blooms within the human being. It shines through our character. The Lotus Sutra is wholly a teaching for human beings. The purpose of religion is to help each person become happy. But even a teaching whose original intent was to promote human happiness may start to restrict people. Even the Lotus Sutra could be used incorrectly to justify discrimination. What is necessary to prevent the danger of such distortion from occurring? It is the disciple's inheritance of the resolute spirit and faith of the mentor to lead people to happiness.

Faith is the most "open" state of mind of all.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, April 4, 2013:

 

There is no means other than faith by which to open our lives and our inner state of Buddhahood. Faith is the most "open" state of mind of all. Infinite clusters of good fortune spill forth from this unbarred treasure house of life.

Live life with a purpose.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, April 3, 2013:

 

A life lived without purpose or value, the kind in which one doesn't know the reason why one was born, is joyless and lackluster. To just live, eat and die without any real sense of purpose surely represents a life pervaded by the life-state of animals. On the other hand, to do, create or contribute something that benefits others, society and ourselves and to dedicate ourselves as long as we live up to that challenge—that is a life of true satisfaction, a life of value. It is a humanistic and lofty way to live.

Impressed other people by the sonorous and invigorating sound of your voices when doing gongyo and daimoku.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, April 3, 2013:

 

From one perspective, gongyo and daimoku are lyrics and songs. They are an ode to life. I hope, therefore, that your gongyo and daimoku will be such that even people who are not practicing will be favorably impressed by the sonorous and invigorating sound of your voices. That too will contribute to the spread of kosen-rufu.

What is the secret to continual success?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, April 2, 2013:

 

Promptness is crucial in leading a victorious life. How we start each morning determines that day's victory or defeat. It's important that we resolve to win in the morning and begin our work with an energetic, refreshed spirit. We mustn't forget that this is the secret to continual success. We live in a tumultuous age, and in such times, swift action is the key to success.

Why faith in the Daishonin's Buddhism?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, April 2, 2013:

 

Why are human beings born? This question has posed a great challenge. President Toda lucidly set forward his conclusion. Namely, that this world is a place for people to, as the Lotus Sutra states, "enjoy themselves at ease." We were born here in order to thoroughly savor the joys of life. Faith in the Daishonin's Buddhism is what enables us to bring forth the great life force we need to lead such an existence.

How can I cause living beings to gain entry into the unsurpassed way and quickly acquire the body of a Buddha?-The Lotus Sutra

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, April 1, 2013:

 

At all times I think to myself: How can I cause living beings to gain entry into the unsurpassed way and quickly acquire the body of a Buddha?-The Lotus Sutra

Let us strive to advance still more brightly and cheerfully.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, April 1, 2013:

 

Emerson writes: "And so of cheerfulness, or a good temper, the more it is spent, the more of it remains." Cheerfulness is not the same as frivolousness. Cheerfulness is born of a fighting spirit. Frivolousness is the reverse side of cowardly escape. Emerson also said that "power dwells with cheerfulness; hope puts us in a working mood." Without cheerfulness there is no strength. Let us strive to advance still more brightly and cheerfully.

What to read?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, March 31, 2013:

 

Reading is dialogue with oneself; it is self-reflection, which cultivates profound humanity. Reading is therefore essential to our development. It expands and enriches the personality like a seed that germinates after a long time and sends forth many blossom-laden branches.

 

People who can say of a book "this changed my life" truly understand the meaning of happiness. Reading that sparks inner revolution is desperately needed to escape drowning in the rapidly advancing information society. Reading is more than intellectual ornamentation; it is a battle for the establishment of the self, a ceaseless challenge that keeps us young and vigorous.

What is a life of true victory?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, March 31, 2013:

 

Position and appearances are irrelevant. The important thing is to carry out our personal duty, our commitment, no matter what anyone else may say. This is a life of true victory, a life of unsurpassed nobility and fulfillment.

By continuing to pray, you can reflect on yourself with unflinching honesty and begin to move your life in a positive direction on the path of earnest, steady effort.

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, March 30, 2013:

There are many elements involved in a prayer being answered, but the important thing is to keep praying until it is. By continuing to pray, you can reflect on yourself with unflinching honesty and begin to move your life in a positive direction on the path of earnest, steady effort. Even if your prayer doesn't produce concrete results immediately, your continual prayer will at some time manifest itself in a form greater than you had ever hoped.

Important to develop your character

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, March 30, 2013:

 

It is important to develop your character to be as powerful as a mighty river. Continue to advance bravely in the face of every challenge, paying no heed to the obstacles in your way. Become a great river of bottomless compassion and wisdom, overflowing with boundless invincibility and passion.

Giving Courage to others

 

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, March 29, 2013:

 

Molly Brown was on board the Titanic when it tragically sunk in 1912. Although she knew the ship was taking on water, she shouted to a panic-stricken fellow passenger: "There's no danger. It simply can't go down, because I'm on it and I'm unsinkable." Her bantering words, which rang out with the determination never to be defeated and never to give in to despair are said to have given courage to her fellow passengers. Those who stand up at a crucial moment demonstrate genuine greatness.

 

Nichiren spoke of earthly desires being used as fuel for the flame of wisdom.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, March 29, 2013:

 

Nichiren spoke of earthly desires being used as fuel for the flame of wisdom. Buddhism teaches the converting of personal ambitions and desires, even base ones, into good traits like wisdom through altruistic living. A Buddhist doctrine that earthly desires are enlightenment indicates that greed, anger (violence) and egocentricism can be transformed into altruistic traits like compassion, trust and nonviolence. The underlying delusions that drive our desires—including the desire for the development of science and civilizations—can be essentially transformed in a way that changes selfishness into altruism, violence into nonviolence and suspicion into trust.

What is a Buddha?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, March 28, 2013:

 

A Buddha is definitely not an absolute being living a static existence. A Buddha shares the sufferings of others and, sensing the condition of the time, earnestly ponders how to transform that condition. A Buddha vows to struggle in order to lead the people and the age to enlightenment. The strength of this vow causes the Buddha's enlightenment to mature into rich wisdom.

What should be the spirit of youth?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, March 28, 2013:

 

Youth must have the spirit to attack injustice, the spirit to refute that which is wrong, the spirit to spread the Daishonin's teaching. Just giving an appearance of promoting kosen-rufu and going with the flow, afraid of making waves, are the actions of self-serving youth, who are spiritually old and decrepit.

To turn even sorrow into a source of creativity—this is the way of life of a Buddhist.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, March 27, 2013:

 

By changing our inner state of mind, we can change any suffering or hardship into a source of joy, regarding it as a means for forging and developing our lives. To turn even sorrow into a source of creativity—this is the way of life of a Buddhist.

Understanding the subtle workings of one's mind is the key to faith and attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, March 27, 2013:

 

While controlling your mind, which is at once both extremely subtle and solemnly profound, you should strive to elevate your faith with freshness and vigor. When you do so, both your life and your surroundings will open wide before you and every action you take will become a source of benefit. Understanding the subtle workings of one's mind is the key to faith and attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime.

How To Win in life?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, March 26, 2013:

 

When experiencing failures and disappointments, frustrations or illness, people tend to lose confidence and let fear overtake them. At such times, however, we need to make a conscious effort to move forward with strength and courage. When you say to yourself, "Next time I'll succeed!" or "I'm going to get better and make it through this!" you have already won.

What is a hindrance to people's happiness?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, March 26, 2013:

 

Of foremost importance are the people—not celebrities, the powerful, the rich, scholars or others whom society deems great or praiseworthy. The purpose of all things must be the happiness of the people. Everything else should be but a means to that end. Those who fail to recognize this fundamental point and look down on the people and exploit them are thoroughly vile and contemptible; they are a hindrance to people's happiness.

What is the spirit, the sense of responsibility and the leadership in the SGI activities?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, March 25, 2013:

 

We are no longer in an age when one person can shoulder everything. Of course, for the day-to-day running of the organization someone will still be officially designated as president, but ultimately our future development hinges on every member having the commitment required of a Soka Gakkai president. With this spirit, this sense of responsibility, this leadership in your activities, may you always work for kosen-rufu and for the victory of the people. May you also build a Soka Gakkai where everyone can advance joyfully, a Soka Gakkai of undying progress.

How human beings derive maximum meaning from their lives?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, March 25, 2013:

 

The significance of Buddhism lies both in the discovery of the Buddha nature in all beings and in the establishment of a practical method for bringing it out, so that human beings can derive maximum meaning from their lives. This reformation of the inner human world—what we in the Soka Gakkai call human revolution—is especially relevant to modern civilization, which has long been trapped in a sort of spiritual quicksand. We can escape the quicksand by calling forth the supreme human potential available to each of us.

If we were to immediately get everything we prayed for, we would become spoiled and decadent.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, March 24, 2013:

 

The struggle we go through to have our prayers answered makes us stronger. If we were to immediately get everything we prayed for, we would become spoiled and decadent. We would lead indolent lives, devoid of any hard work or struggle. As a result, we would become shallow human beings. What, then, would be the point of faith?

What happens when we practice gongyo and chant daimoku before the Gohonzon?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, March 24, 2013:

 

When we practice gongyo and chant daimoku before the Gohonzon, the good and evil capacities of our lives begin to function as the exalted form of fundamental existence. Lives that are full of the pain of Hell, lives that are in the state of Hunger, lives warped by the state of Anger—such lives too begin to move in the direction of creating their own personal happiness and value. Lives being pulled toward misfortune and unhappiness are redirected and pulled in the opposite direction, toward good, when they make the Mystic Law their base.

From The Lotus Sutra

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, March 23, 2013:

 

I am the father of living beings and I should rescue them from their sufferings and give them the joy of the measureless and boundless Buddha wisdom so that they may find their enjoyment in that. -The Lotus Sutra

Let Us Hope

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, March 23, 2013:

 

Let us all set our sights on leading great lives dedicated always to truth and move toward that goal in good health, brimming with hope. Let us live our lives boldly, without regret, advancing with patience, enthusiasm and a genuine spirit of friendship and camaraderie.

Struggling against great difficulty enables us to develop ourselves tremendously.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, March 22, 2013:

 

Life is full of unexpected suffering. Even so, as Eleanor Roosevelt said: "If you can live through that [a difficult situation] you can live through anything. You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along." That's exactly right. Struggling against great difficulty enables us to develop ourselves tremendously. We can call forth and manifest those abilities lying dormant within us. Difficulty can be a source of dynamic growth and positive progress.

Life is about striving all out to achieve our aims; it is about hard work and effort.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, March 22, 2013:

 

I call to each of you: Strive for prosperity! Strive for development! Strive for victory! Life is about striving all out to achieve our aims; it is about hard work and effort. Regardless of how smart you may be, intelligence alone cannot guarantee your future.

What is the function of Myoho-renge-kyo?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, March 21, 2013:

 

The function of fire is to burn and give light. The function of water is to wash away filth. The winds blow away dust and breathe life into plants, animals, and human beings. The earth produces the grasses and trees, and heaven provides nourishing moisture. The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo are also like that. They are the cluster of blessings brought by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, disciples of the Buddha in his true identity. -Nichiren

Why is it that sometimes our prayers seem to not be answered?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, March 21, 2013:

 

Why is it that sometimes our prayers seem to not be answered? This is a manifestation of the Buddha's wisdom—so that we can deepen our prayers, become stronger people, live more profound lives and secure deeper, more lasting good fortune. If our slightest prayer were answered immediately, we'd become lazy and degenerate. And we couldn't hope to build a life of great dignity and substance.

If you want to have great benefits or to develop a profound state of life, you should exert yourself accordingly.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, March 20, 2013:

 

Buddhism aims to make people free in the most profound sense; its purpose is not to restrict or constrain. Buddhist prayer is a right, not an obligation. Because Buddhism entails practice, tenacious efforts are required, but these are all for your own sake. If you want to have great benefits or to develop a profound state of life, you should exert yourself accordingly.

What to do when life seems gloomy and dull?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, March 20, 2013:

 

There may be times when life seems gloomy and dull. When we feel stuck in some situation or other, when we are negative toward everything, when we feel lost and bewildered, not sure which way to turn—at such times we must transform our passive mind-set and determine, "I will proceed along this path," "I will pursue my mission today." When we do so a genuine springtime arrives in our hearts; and flowers start to blossom.

Prayers

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, March 19, 2013:

 

There are many elements involved in a prayer being answered, but the important thing is to keep praying until it is. By continuing to pray, you can reflect on yourself with unflinching honesty and begin to move your life in a positive direction on the path of earnest, steady effort. Even if your prayer doesn't produce concrete results immediately, your continual prayer will at some time manifest itself in a form greater than you had ever hoped.

No matter how unpleasant the circumstances we find ourselves in, we can transform them into hope and good fortune—into eternal happiness

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, March 19, 2013:

 

By devoting ourselves earnestly to SGI activities, we gain the ability to turn all difficulties and obstacles into benefit, recognizing that earthly desires and delusions are enlightenment and that the sufferings of birth and death are nirvana. No matter how unpleasant the circumstances we find ourselves in, we can transform them into hope and good fortune—into eternal happiness. How incredible this is!

Happiness doesn't exist on the far side of distant mountains.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, March 18, 2013:

 

Happiness doesn't exist on the far side of distant mountains. It is within you, yourself. Not you, however, sitting in idle passivity. It is to be found in the vibrant dynamism of your own life as you struggle to challenge and overcome one obstacle after another, as you clamber up a perilous ridge in pursuit of that which lies beyond.

The SGI is a world of humanity—of the heart, of faith, of compassion.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, March 18, 2013:

 

Let us do our utmost to sustain the wonderfully warm atmosphere of the SGI—an atmosphere where members feel free to discuss whatever is on their minds. Unless we do so, our organization will stop growing, stop developing. The SGI is a world of humanity—of the heart, of faith, of compassion. It is a world of unity and mutual inspiration. That is why it is strong. If we continue to value and promote these qualities, the SGI will continue to grow and develop forever. I want to declare here and now the atmosphere where we can discuss anything is fundamental to the SGI.

Buddhism teaches that life at each moment embraces all phenomena.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, March 17, 2013:

 

Buddhism teaches that life at each moment embraces all phenomena. This is the doctrine of a life-moment possessing three thousand realms, which is the Lotus Sutra's ultimate teaching and Buddhism's essence. Because of the profound way our lives interact with people around us, it is vital that we reach out to others, that we be engaged with our environment and with our local community. A self-absorbed practice or theory without action is definitely not Buddhism.

If you devote your life to helping others, you'll stay young.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, March 17, 2013:

 

You mustn't allow yourselves to grow old before your time. Please live with a youthful spirit. That is what Buddhism teaches us to do and it is how life ought to be lived. If you make a commitment to work for the sake of others, you will be rejuvenated. If you devote your life to helping others, you'll stay young. The power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo guarantees that.

Youth are vitally important to the world and the human race.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, March 16, 2013:

 

There is no other course for us but to entrust everything to the youth. This holds true for families, businesses and countries. Youth are vitally important to the world and the human race. The key to eternal development lies in fostering, encouraging and training youth who will lead the way to a new era.

March 16, Kosen-rufu Day.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, March 16, 2013:

 

March 16, Kosen-rufu Day. The spirit of this day lies not in magnificent ceremonies or high-sounding words. It lies in being victorious. That is the most crucial thing in all endeavors. In life and in kosen-rufu, we either win or lose. I would like you to be absolute victors in both. No matter what excuses we try to make, giving in to defeat brings misery and loses us the respect of others. I hope each of you without exception will adorn your life with indestructible triumph.

Buddhism comes down to practice.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, March 15, 2013:

 

Buddhism comes down to practice. This means making a personal determination and steadfastly taking action to accomplish it, no matter what obstacles may arise. If we aren't striving to open a way forward, what we are doing cannot be called Buddhist practice. We will only enter the path to Buddhahood by making tireless effort based on the same determination as the Buddha.

We must take the enemies of the Buddha to task.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, March 15, 2013:

 

We must take the enemies of the Buddha to task. We absolutely cannot remain silent when we see people distorting and corrupting the Daishonin's teaching. To speak out resolutely and clarify what is correct and what is erroneous is the Soka Gakkai spirit. If we simply try to be amiable and avoid making waves, then we will play right into the hands of people with malicious intent.

How we age?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, March 14, 2013:

 

Depending on their outlook, people's old age will dramatically differ, especially in terms of the richness and fulfillment they will experience. Everything is up to our attitude, how we approach life. Do we look at old age as a descending path to oblivion? Or is it a period in which we can attain our goals and bring our lives to a rewarding, satisfying completion?

The challenge of SGI leadership

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, March 14, 2013:

 

As SGI leaders, how we interpret the words of members and what we say in response is important. A genuine leader is someone who gives measured thought to such matters. When talking with individuals, ask yourselves: "What are they worried about?" "What are they trying to say?" "What are they thinking? "What is it they seek?" Try to discern these things in others. Try to know. Try to understand. This is the challenge of leadership. From such compassion arises wisdom.

In the face of rejection, you must learn to be courageous

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, March 13, 2013:

 

In the face of rejection, you must learn to be courageous. It is important to believe in yourself. Be like the sun, which shines on serenely even though not all the heavenly bodies reflect back its light and even though some of its brilliance seems to radiate only into empty space. While those who reject your friendship may sometimes fade out of your life, the more you shine your light, the more brilliant your life will become.

Gongyo and chanting daimoku are like starting an automobile's engine every day and driving in the direction of happiness and truth.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, March 13, 2013:

 

If we don't practice gongyo, the rhythm of our lives will be thrown off kilter, just as a machine that isn't oiled will rust. Gongyo and chanting daimoku are like starting an automobile's engine every day and driving in the direction of happiness and truth. By doing so day after day, you will gradually attain perfect unity with the universe and the Law. That state is the state of the Buddha.

The goal of Nichiren Buddhism

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, March 12, 2013:

 

The human being is not a frail wretch at the mercy of fate. Shakyamuni insisted that to change oneself now is to change the future on a vast scale. The Western impression that Buddhism is all about meditation is alien to the spirit of Shakyamuni. The goal of Nichiren Buddhism is neither escape from reality nor passive acceptance. It is to live strongly, proactively, in such a way as to refine one's own life and reform society through a constant exchange between the outside world and the individual's inner world.

Mission Of SGI

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, March 12, 2013:

 

As SGI members our work, our mission, is clear. We have the unparalleled task of working for the happiness of all humanity in an endeavor we call kosen-rufu. To participate in SGI activities and challenge ourselves earnestly on the path of our mission are the greatest happiness. It all comes down to whether we can appreciate this point.

It is religion, maker of men, that we need. It is education, maker of men that we need.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, March 11, 2013:

 

The Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda declared: "It is religion, maker of men, that we need. It is education, maker of men that we need." Fostering people, building character— this is absolutely fundamental for creating a bright future. Toward this end, both the profound spirituality of religion and the intellectual illumination of education are essential.

All right, let's get to work again

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, March 11, 2013:

 

All right, let's get to work again!"—This is the spirit of people of genuine substance. Those who avoid hard work or neglect the things they have to do, who just while away their time, eating, sleeping, playing, watching television—such individuals will never experience true happiness, satisfaction or joy.

Quality is the true value, not quantity.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, March 10, 2013:

 

There is a great difference between simply living a long life and living a full and rewarding life. What's really important is how much rich texture and color we can add to our lives during our stay here on Earth—however long that stay may be. Quality is the true value, not quantity.

A man's true delight is to do the things he was made for."

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, March 10, 2013:

 

Where is happiness to be found? The famous Roman philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180) said, "A man's true delight is to do the things he was made for." Human happiness, he maintains, lies in doing those things only humans can: seeking the truth and acting to help those who are suffering. Goethe also asserted that those who work cheerfully and take joy in the fruits of their labor are truly happy. These are the words of great thinkers and as you can see they are in complete accord with the teachings of Buddhism.

Buddhism Day by Day

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, March 9, 2013:

 

Some people are overly critical of themselves and become listless and unassertive as a result. Rather than engaging in pointless self-flagellation, young people would do best just being what young people are: bold, audacious and gutsy—and throwing themselves entirely into whatever the task at hand.

The fundamental spirit of Buddhism is that all people are equal.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, March 9, 2013:

 

The fundamental spirit of Buddhism is that all people are equal. A person is not great simply because of his or her social standing, fame, academic background or position in the organization. In the world of faith, the truly great are those who spread the Mystic Law and strive for kosen-rufu, who actively work for the sake of Buddhism and the happiness of others. Supremely respectworthy are those who champion the cause of kosen-rufu.

No great achievement is accomplished overnight or without difficulty.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, March 8, 2013:

 

No great achievement is accomplished overnight or without difficulty. Should benefit be obtained easily without making any efforts in Buddhist practice, we'd probably just as easily abandon our faith and end up miserable as a consequence. Because it isn't easy to get into a highly ranked school, students study with all their might, gaining an abundance of knowledge and ability. Faith follows basically the same formula: Practice is essential to attaining Buddhahood.

There is no happiness without courage nor virtue without struggle

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, March 8, 2013:

 

The great French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712- 78) wrote in his work Emile: "There is no happiness without courage nor virtue without struggle." Without courage there is no happiness and it is impossible to create a life of value. This is an unchanging rule of human existence.

When with our mouths we chant the Mystic Law, our Buddha nature, being summoned, will invariably emerge.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, March 7, 2013:

 

When we revere Myoho-renge-kyo inherent in our own life as the object of devotion, the Buddha nature within us is summoned forth and manifested by our chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. This is what is meant by "Buddha." To illustrate, when a caged bird sings, birds who are flying in the sky are thereby summoned and gather around, and when the birds flying in the sky gather around, the bird in the cage strives to get out. When with our mouths we chant the Mystic Law, our Buddha nature, being summoned, will invariably emerge.

By battling the three powerful enemies, we become genuine disciples of the Daishonin.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, March 7, 2013:

 

Calling forth the three powerful enemies and defeating them makes one a votary of the Lotus Sutra. It is only natural, then, when we advance upon the correct path of mentor and disciple originating with the Daishonin, we will encounter obstacles. By battling the three powerful enemies, we become genuine disciples of the Daishonin. In that respect, the authenticity of the path of mentor and disciple followed by the first three presidents of the Soka Gakkai has been proven beyond doubt.

When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the good and evil capacities of our lives begin to function as the exalted form of fundamental existence

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, March 6, 2013:

 

When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the good and evil capacities of our lives begin to function as the exalted form of fundamental existence. Lives that are full of the pain of hell, lives that are in the state of hunger, lives warped by the state of anger—such lives too begin to move in the direction of creating their own personal happiness and value. Lives being pulled toward misfortune and unhappiness are redirected and pulled in the opposite direction, toward good, when they make the Mystic Law their base.

There is no need for you to be impatient.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, March 6, 2013:

 

There is no need for you to be impatient. If you can achieve something very easily right from the start, you will find no sense of fulfillment or joy. It is in making tenacious, all-out efforts for construction that profound happiness lies.

Faith in Buddhism means establishing one's true self.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, March 5, 2013:

 

Our individual lives are each infinite treasure houses. Our lives are clusters of blessings. Lasting happiness never comes from the outside. Everything of value emanates from within our own being. Faith in Buddhism means establishing one's true self. It is the recognition that the infinite horizon of the cosmos exists right here within the self. One's life opens out toward the cosmos and is enfolded in it; at the same time, one's life encompasses the entire cosmo.

The efforts made by one individual can be immensely important.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, March 5, 2013:

 

The efforts made by one individual can be immensely important. Nichiren Daishonin repeatedly states that victory depends not on numbers but on a group or individual's attitude or resolve. In one passage he writes: "Everyone in Japan, from the sovereign on down to the common people, all without exception tried to do me harm, but I have survived until this day. This is because, although I am alone, I have firm faith [in the Lotus Sutra]"

Like a lantern in the dark, like a strong guide and porter on a treacherous mountain path, the Gohonzon will guard and protect you, Lady Nichinyo, wherever you go.

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, March 4, 2013:

 

A woman who makes offerings to such a Gohonzon invites happiness in this life; and in the next, the Gohonzon will be with her and protect her always. Like a lantern in the dark, like a strong guide and porter on a treacherous mountain path, the Gohonzon will guard and protect you, Lady Nichinyo, wherever you go.

 

The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon
Written to Nichinyo on August 23, 1277

One reason Buddhists chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo each day is to develop strong will and discipline

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, March 4, 2013:

 

Life is an everlasting struggle with ourselves. It is a tug of war between moving forward and regressing, between happiness and unhappiness. Outstanding individuals didn't become great overnight. They disciplined themselves to overcome their weaknesses, to conquer their lack of caring and motivation until they became true victors in life. One reason Buddhists chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo each day is to develop strong will and discipline and, along with those, the ability to tackle any problem seriously and with the determination to overcome it.

People who are vigilant do not die; people who are negligent are as if dead.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, March 4, 2013:

 

Shakyamuni proclaims, "People who are vigilant do not die; people who are negligent are as if dead." This is definitely true. Unremitting diligence in our Buddhist practice—brave and vigorous exertion—infuses our lives with the great life force of the eternal Buddha. In contrast, people who try to get by in life through cunning and deception enact a living death.

What is youth?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, March 3, 2013:

 

What is youth? The French philosopher Roger Garaudy suggests that while most people believe a person is born young and then ages and dies in reality, acquiring youth in the deepest sense is a very long and challenging process. The youth of which he speaks is the spiritual strength not to stagnate or grow resistant to change but to stay ever open to new possibilities. It is the power of the spirit that refuses to succumb to complacency and strives forward.

It all comes down to you.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, March 3, 2013:

 

It all comes down to you. I hope you won't rely on others or wait for them to do something. Try to develop such a strong sense of responsibility that you can stand up to the fiercest storms, confidently proclaiming, "I'll do it. Just watch me!" Please confront reality, look it squarely in the face, and with guts, wisdom and strength, challenge everything that lies ahead of you.

Words of the Week

Let's treasure our neighbors and
communities.
Remember to give cheerful greetings and
treat people with courtesy and kindness.
Friendship and trust spreads from
where you stand.

Buddhism Day by Day

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, March 2, 2013:

 

The important thing is not whether we are optimistic or pessimistic but rather that, while keeping a careful eye on reality, we are neither overwhelmed by it nor content with the status quo. We must keep the lamps of our ideals alight while being ready to pioneer uncharted paths. Faith in life and in the human spirit is the necessary foundation for this approach.

To start an undertaking is easy; to maintain it is difficult

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, March 2, 2013:

 

There is a saying, "To start an undertaking is easy; to maintain it is difficult." Though creating something new may seem daunting, it is in fact easy when compared to the far more challenging task of carrying on an existing enterprise, to keep it going, to develop it further. Everything depends on people, on capable successors. And our movement for kosen-rufu depends on young people. For that reason I am determined to do all that I can right now to raise genuine successors in the youth division.

We need to go out and mix with people every day

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, March 1, 2013:

 

We need to go out and mix with people every day. Making our local community the base for our activities, we need to forge ties of friendship with others and work with them to create peace. Staying connected in this way to our town, city, state and country is a practical manifestation of our lives permeating all things. We embody the doctrine of a life-moment possessing 3,000 realms when we do kosen-rufu activities.

Words can be either the root of discord or a force for unity.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, March 1, 2013:

 

Words can be either the root of discord or a force for unity. They can be the origin of deception or the key to learning. They can be the instruments of plotting and intrigue or weapons for truth and wisdom. That is why it is so crucial to speak out ever more vigorously for what is right.

An earnest, dedicated spirit shines like a diamond and moves people's hearts.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, February 28, 2013:

 

Make goals. Whether big or small, work toward realizing them. You must be serious about and dedicated to your goals—you'll get nowhere if you just treat them like jokes. An earnest, dedicated spirit shines like a diamond and moves people's hearts. That is because a brilliant flame burns within. If we are sincere, people will understand our intentions, and our positive qualities will shine forth. It is pointless to be caught up in outward appearances. The German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe writes: "How may one get to know oneself? Never by contemplation, only, indeed, by action. Seek to do your duty, and you will know at once how it is with you."

Buddhism teaches the subtle principle of ichinen, and moreover, the power of faith.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, February 28, 2013:

 

You can forge the path to a fulfilling and enjoyable life if you have the depth of faith to regard everything as a source for creating happiness and value. Conversely, if you see everything only in a negative or pessimistic light, your life will gradually but inevitably be plunged into darkness. Buddhism teaches the subtle principle of ichinen, and moreover, the power of faith.

Happiness is something we must create for ourselves. No one else can give it to us.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, February 27, 2013:

 

We each move forward secure on our own earth, not the earth of others. Happiness is something we must create for ourselves. No one else can give it to us.

A polished mirror is the Buddha's life, whereas a tarnished mirror is that of a common mortal.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, February 27, 2013:

 

Originally, every person's life is a brilliantly shining mirror. Differences arise depending on whether one polishes this mirror: A polished mirror is the Buddha's life, whereas a tarnished mirror is that of a common mortal. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is what polishes our lives.

Nichiren teaches that the Buddha and all people are absolutely equal.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, February 26, 2013:

 

No discrimination exists in Nichiren Buddhism. Nichiren teaches that the Buddha and all people are absolutely equal. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with faith in this point is a matter of the utmost importance. Doing so is to embrace the Lotus Sutra. It is also an act of succeeding to the heritage of Buddhism. In this light, we can say that the gist of the teaching of the Lotus Sutra is that all people are equal.

Buddhism teaches that life at each moment embraces all phenomena.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, February 26, 2013:

 

Buddhism teaches that life at each moment embraces all phenomena. This is the doctrine of a life-moment possessing 3,000 realms, which is the Lotus Sutra's ultimate teaching and Buddhism's essence. Because of the profound way our lives interact with people around us, it is vital that we reach out to others, that we be engaged with our environment and with our local community. A self-absorbed practice or theory without action is definitely not Buddhism.

Buddhism teaches the concept of "realizing your inherent potential."

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, February 25, 2013:

 

When you hold fast to your beliefs and live true to yourself, your true value as a human being shines through. Buddhism teaches the concept of "realizing your inherent potential." In other words manifesting your true entity, your innate self, revealing it and bringing it to shine, illuminating all around you. It refers to your most refined individuality and uniqueness.

The only path to victory.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, February 25, 2013:

 

Gandhi taught people to live with lion-like courage, impressing upon them that they could not afford to leave things up to others, that they had to stand up for themselves and fight for justice. Ultimately, the only way forward is by developing self-reliance, forging a stand-alone spirit. That is the only path to victory.

Meaning of Being At Ease.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, February 24, 2013:

 

According to Buddhism, health is not a condition in which we merely escape negative influences. It is a highly positive, active state in which we hold ourselves responsible for such influences, in which we face and try to solve various problems—not just our own but others' problems, too. The word disease implies a lack of ease, which conversely implies that health is a state of comfort. In the Buddhist sense, however, being "at ease" does not mean freedom from difficulties; it means having the strength to meet and overcome any problem.

Buddhism is not about leading a self-centered existence.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, February 24, 2013:

 

Buddhism is not about leading a self-centered existence. If we do not base our lives on the Law, we are not practicing Buddhism. The German writer Friedrich von Schiller writes, "The brave man thinks upon himself the last." This is analogous to the spirit of not begrudging one's life taught in the Lotus Sutra. This means treasuring the Law more highly than one's life. The Law and kosen-rufu are central.

Cultivating the noble spirit with which all people are endowed will directly lead to a change in the destiny of humankind.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, February 23, 2013:

 

The only way for human beings to change is for them to conquer their inner darkness and rediscover the eternal dignity within their own lives. Cultivating the noble spirit with which all people are endowed will directly lead to a change in the destiny of humankind.

A cowardly person cannot realize victory in life.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, February 23, 2013:

 

Without courage we cannot be compassionate. Courage and compassion are inseparable, like the two sides of a coin. Faith is the wellspring of courage. The Daishonin says, "Nichiren's disciples cannot accomplish anything if they are cowardly," (The Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 128). A cowardly person cannot realize victory in life. Unless we have the courage to really dedicate our lives to kosen-rufu, we cannot construct true happiness for ourselves and others.

The person who marches on toward hope through sheer force of will—that person is a true optimist.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, February 22, 2013:

 

Real optimism should not be confused with a carefree outlook on life, one in which we forfeit responsibility for our lives. The person undefeated by misfortune, poverty, insult and vilification, the person who can bounce back from every adversity and say, "What? That was nothing!" The person who marches on toward hope through sheer force of will—that person is a true optimist.

We have to keep chanting until our prayers are answered. That is the correct way of prayer.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, February 22, 2013:

 

What was the secret to Edison's success? He explained that it was to never give up before he succeeded in what he was trying to do. Not giving up—that's the only way. Once you give up you are defeated. This is equally true in the realm of faith. Quitting is not faith. We have to keep chanting until our prayers are answered. That is the correct way of prayer.

The full and genuine meaning of our humanity is found in tapping the creative fonts of life itself.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, February 21, 2013:

 

There is no way of life more desolate or more pitiful than one of ignorance of the fundamental joy that issues from the struggle to generate and regenerate one's own life from within. To be human is much more than the mere biological facts of standing erect and exercising reason and intelligence. The full and genuine meaning of our humanity is found in tapping the creative fonts of life itself.

Friendship, camaraderie and unity in faith lie at the heart of the SGI.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, February 21, 2013:

 

Friendship is strong. Friendship, camaraderie and unity in faith lie at the heart of the SGI. They come before the organization. We must never make the mistake of thinking that it is the other way around. The organization serves as a means for deepening friendship, comradeship and faith. To confuse the means and the end is a terrible mistake.

When we limit ourselves with low expectations, the growth of the tree of happiness immediately ceases.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, February 20, 2013:

 

When we plant the seeds of self-doubt, only noxious weeds sprout. When we limit ourselves with low expectations, the growth of the tree of happiness immediately ceases. The power of growth, of improvement, the power to overcome all stagnation and break through every obstacle and transform a barren wasteland into a verdant field—that unstoppable power of hope resides right there in your own heart. It will well up from the rich earth of your innermost being when you face the future without doubt or fear: "I can do more. I can grow. I can become a bigger and better human being"—life and faith are a never-ending struggle to grow.